China Is Crafting Telecom Law
To Level Industry Playing Field

By
Kathy ChenStaff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated May 20, 2004 12:01 am ET

BEIJING -- China is close to completing a draft of its first Telecommunications Law, which could help level the playing field for domestic carriers, better protect consumers and provide opportunities for foreign vendors.

After a quarter-century of effort, participants say a draft could be submitted to the State Council, or cabinet, next month, and go to the national legislature for passage as early as next year. If enacted, it would set basic rules to guide the behavior of China's telecommunications carriers, addressing issues...